Illinois Hunter Safety Course

Open Sight Adjustment

After firing a number of shots, check to see where the bullets are grouping. Adjust the sights if the shots are not in the center of the target. Remember that with an open sight, move the rear sight in the direction you want the shots to move on the target.

Telescopic Sight Adjustment

When using a firearm with a telescopic sight, make adjustments by using the dials on the top and side of the sight which can be turned to compensate for wind or inaccuracies.

The elevation (up and down) is usually on the top and affects the bullet's point of impact vertically. The windage is usually on the right side of the scope and affects the bullet's point of impact horizontally (left and right).

If the bullet needs to go towards the top of the target, adjust the elevation dial in the same direction (as indicated on the dial).

If the bullet needs to go towards the right side of the target, adjust the windage dial in the same direction (as indicated on the dial).